CN218315219U

CN218315219U - Window manufacturing device

Info

Publication number: CN218315219U
Application number: CN202220411281.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金杞泽; 具正昔; 卞龙云; 韩理九
Original assignee: Samsung Display Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Display Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-05
Filing date: 2022-02-28
Publication date: 2023-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 2032-02-28
Also published as: US20240181767A1; CN115008732A; US11897243B2; KR20220125874A; US20220281216A1

Abstract

The utility model discloses a window manufacturing installation. According to the utility model discloses a window manufacturing installation includes: a carrier table defining a mounting surface on which a target substrate is mounted, the carrier table including a first portion and a second portion having a thickness larger than that of the first portion; an adsorption stage defining a plurality of adsorption ports for adsorbing the target substrate; and an attaching device attaching a protective film to the object substrate adsorbed on the adsorption stage, wherein the plurality of adsorption ports are defined to overlap with the second portion of the transport stage and not overlap with the first portion on a plane in a state where the object substrate mounted on the transport stage is adsorbed by the adsorption stage. This improves the folding reliability and durability of the window manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus.

Description

Window manufacturing device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a window manufacturing apparatus capable of manufacturing a window having improved folding reliability, a window manufacturing method, and a display apparatus including the same.

Background

The display device displays various images on a display screen to provide information to a user. Generally, a display device displays information within an assigned screen. Flexible display devices including a foldable flexible display panel are being developed. A flexible display device may be folded or rolled, unlike a rigid display device. The flexible display device with changeable shape is not limited by the size of the existing screen and is carried, thereby improving the convenience of users.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

An object of the utility model is to provide a can make folding reliability and durability obtain window manufacturing installation and window manufacturing method of window that improves.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a display device including a window having improved reliability and durability.

According to the utility model discloses a window manufacturing installation includes: a carrying table defining a mounting surface for mounting the target substrate and including a first portion and a second portion having a larger thickness than the first portion; an adsorption stage defining a plurality of adsorption ports for adsorbing the target substrate; and an attaching device for attaching a protective film to the target substrate attached to the adsorption stage, wherein the plurality of adsorption ports are defined so as to overlap with the second portion of the transfer stage and not overlap with the first portion on a plane in a state where the target substrate mounted on the transfer stage is adsorbed by the adsorption stage.

The target substrate may include a folded portion and a non-folded portion adjacent to the folded portion, and the folded portion may overlap the first portion and the non-folded portion may overlap the second portion in a state where the target substrate is mounted on the transfer table.

The plurality of suction ports may overlap the non-folding portion in a state where the target substrate is sucked on the suction stage.

The object substrate may include glass.

In a state where the target substrate is placed on the transfer table, the target substrate may be in contact with an upper surface of the second portion and not in contact with an upper surface of the first portion.

In a state where the target substrate is adsorbed on the adsorption stage, the target substrate may be in contact with a lower surface of the adsorption stage.

The surface roughness of the lower surface of the adsorption stage may be 10 micrometers or more and 50 micrometers or less.

May, the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes: and a transfer device for transferring the target substrate to the transfer table and placing the target substrate on the placing surface.

The carrier table may include: a first carrying table for carrying the first carrier, receiving the object substrate from the carrying device to be mounted to the first carrying stage; and a second transfer table configured to rotate the target substrate placed on the first transfer table and then place the target substrate on the second transfer table.

The protective film may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

May, the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes: and a bending evaluation device for measuring the bending strength of the target substrate with the protective film attached.

According to the utility model discloses a window manufacturing approach includes: a step of placing the target substrate on a transfer table including a first portion and a second portion having a larger thickness than the first portion; a step of sucking the target substrate placed on the transfer table through a plurality of suction ports defined in a suction table; and a step of attaching a protective film to the target substrate adsorbed on the adsorption stage, in the step of adsorbing the target substrate on the adsorption stage, the plurality of adsorption ports are defined so as to overlap with the second portion of the conveyance stage and not overlap with the first portion on a plane.

In the step of mounting the target substrate on the transfer stage, a folded portion and an unfolded portion may be defined in the target substrate, the folded portion may overlap the first portion, and the unfolded portion may overlap the second portion.

In the step of suctioning the target substrate to the suction stage, the plurality of suction ports may overlap the non-folded portion.

In the step of placing the target substrate on the transfer stage, the target substrate may be in contact with an upper surface of the second portion but not in contact with an upper surface of the first portion.

The target substrate may include Ultra-Thin film strengthened Glass (UTG, ultra Thin Glass).

The protective film may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

According to the utility model discloses a display device manufacturing approach includes: a step of preparing a window including a first non-folding region, a folding region, and a second non-folding region arranged in order along a first direction; preparing a display module; and combining the window and the display module, wherein the step of preparing the window comprises the following steps: a step of placing the target substrate on a transfer table including a first portion and a second portion having a larger thickness than the first portion; a step of sucking the target substrate placed on the transfer table through a plurality of suction ports defined in a suction table; and a step of attaching a protective film to the target substrate adsorbed on the adsorption stage, in the step of adsorbing the target substrate on the adsorption stage, the plurality of adsorption ports are defined so as to overlap with the second portion of the conveyance stage and not overlap with the first portion on a plane.

In the step of placing the target substrate on the transfer stage, a folded portion overlapping the first portion and an unfolded portion overlapping the second portion may be defined in the target substrate.

According to the utility model discloses an embodiment to the window that is applicable to folding display device and includes the film basic unit, can carry out protection film adhesion process under the condition that does not damage window folding part, can improve the folding reliability and the durability of window from this.

Drawings

Fig. 1a is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1b is a view showing a folded state of the display device shown in fig. 1 a.

Fig. 2a is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2b is a diagram illustrating the display device illustrated in fig. 2a in a folded state.

Fig. 3a is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the display device shown in fig. 3a in a folded state.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a window structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6a is a perspective view of a carrier table in a window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a carrier table in the apparatus for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7a is a perspective view of an adsorption stage in the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7b is a cross-sectional view of an adsorption stage in the apparatus for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8a to 8f are sectional views sequentially illustrating a window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(description of reference numerals)

DD: display device WP: window opening

WL: window base layer WPL: window protective layer

LT: a conveyance stage ST: adsorption table

Detailed Description

In the present specification, when a certain constituent element (or a region, a layer, a portion, or the like) "is referred to as" on "," connected to ", or" coupled to "another constituent element, it means that the other constituent element may be directly arranged, connected, or coupled to or a third constituent element may be arranged therebetween.

Like reference numerals refer to like constituent elements. In the drawings, the thickness, the ratio, and the size of constituent elements are enlarged for effective explanation of technical contents.

"and/or" includes all combinations of one or more of the structures that can define an association.

The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements cannot be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements. For example, a first constituent element may be named a second constituent element, and similarly, a second constituent element may also be named a first constituent element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the context of the text, singular references include plural references.

Terms such as "below", "lower", "upper", "lower" and "upper" are used to describe the relationship between the structures shown in the drawings. The terms are relative terms, and are described with reference to the direction indicated in the drawings.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the present specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, it may be that terms that are the same as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The terms "comprises" or "comprising," or the like, should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, or groups thereof, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, or groups thereof.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1a is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1b is a view showing a folded state of the display device shown in fig. 1 a.

Referring to fig. 1a and 1b, the display device DD may be a foldable display device. The display device DD according to the present invention can be used not only for large electronic devices such as televisions and monitors, but also for small and medium electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, car navigators, game machines, smart watches, and the like.

The upper face of the display device DD may be defined as a display face DS, which may have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 in a state where the display device DD is unfolded. The third direction DR3 is a direction crossing the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and may be defined as a thickness direction of the display device DD. The front (or upper) and rear (or lower) surfaces of the components constituting the display device DD may be defined with reference to the third direction DR 3.

The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA. The display region DA is a region where the image IM is displayed, and the non-display region NDA is a region where the image IM is not displayed. Fig. 1a shows an application icon as an example of the image IM.

The display area DA may be a quadrangular shape. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, not limited thereto, the shape of the display area DA and the shape of the non-display area NDA may be relatively designed.

A first non-folding region NFA1, a folding region FA, and a second non-folding region NFA2 may be sequentially defined along the first direction DR1 in the display device DD. That is, the folding area FA may be defined between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. One folding area FA and the first and second non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2 are shown in fig. 1a and 1b, but the number of folding areas FA and the first and second non-folding areas NFA1, NFA2 is not limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may include a plurality of non-folding regions of 3 or more and a plurality of folding regions disposed between the non-folding regions.

The display device DD can be folded with reference to a folding axis FX. That is, the folding area FA can be bent with the folding axis FX as a reference. Folding axis FX may extend along second direction DR 2. The folding axis FX may be defined as an axis parallel to a short side of the display device DD.

If the display device DD is folded, the display surface of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the display surface of the second non-folding area NFA2 may face each other. Therefore, in the folded state, the display surface DS may not be exposed to the outside. In an embodiment of the present invention, a back display area (not shown) may be provided on the back of the display device DD. In this case, if the display device DD is folded, the rear display area may be exposed to the outside, which may be referred to as in-folding (in-folding). However, it is exemplary, and the operation of the display device DD is not limited thereto.

For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, if the display device DD is folded, the first non-folding region NFA1 and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be opposite to each other (overlapping). Accordingly, in the folded state, the display area DA may be exposed to the outside, which may be referred to as out-folding (out-folding).

The display device DD may be capable of only either the inner folding or the outer folding. Alternatively, the display device DD may be capable of both the inner folding operation and the outer folding operation. In this case, the same area of the display device DD, for example, the folding area FA, may be folded in as well as folded out. Alternatively, a part of the display device DD may be folded inside and the other part may be folded outside.

Fig. 2a is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2b is a diagram illustrating the display device shown in fig. 2a in a folded state.

Referring to fig. 2a and 2b, a first non-folding region NFA1-1, a folding region FA-1, and a second non-folding region NFA2-1 may be sequentially defined along a second direction DR2 in a display device DD-1. The folding area FA-1 may be defined between a first non-folding area NFA1-1 and a second non-folding area NFA2-1.

The display device DD-1 can be folded with reference to a folding axis FX' 1. That is, the folding region FA-1 can be bent with reference to the folding axis FX'. The folding axis FX'1 may extend along the first direction DR 1. The folding axis FX'1 may be defined as an axis parallel to a long side of the display device DD.

Hereinafter, as shown in fig. 1a and 1b, a structure of the display device DD folded with the folding axis FX parallel to the short side as a reference will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structure to be described hereinafter can be applied to the display device DD-1 folded with the folding axis FX' parallel to the long side as a reference as shown in fig. 2a and 2 b.

Fig. 3a is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the display device shown in fig. 3a in a folded state.

Referring to fig. 3a and 3b, the display device DD may include a window protection layer WPL, a window base layer WL, an anti-reflection layer RPL, a display module DM, a protection layer PL, first and second cover plates CL1, CL2, and adhesive layers WAL, AL1, AL2, AL3, AL4.

The display device DD may repeat a shape changing from a flat first state to a folded second state or from the second state to the first state. The window protective layer WPL, the window base layer WL, the antireflection layer RPL, the display module DM, the protective layer PL, and the adhesive layers WAL, AL1, AL2, AL3, AL4 may have a flexible property. The window protective layer WPL, the window base layer WL, the anti-reflection layer RPL, the display module DM, the protective layer PL, and the adhesive layers WAL, AL1, AL2, AL3, AL4 may each include a folding area FA. In one embodiment, the display module DM may include a folding area FA. The display module DM may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a folding area FA, and a second non-folding area NFA2 extending along the first direction DR 1.

The window protection layer WPL may have an optically transparent property. The window protection layer WPL may constitute the outermost profile of the display device DD. The upper side of the window protection layer WPL may constitute the uppermost side of the display device DD. That is, in the display device DD of an embodiment, no other structure may be disposed above the window protection layer WPL.

The window protection layer WPL may protect a structure disposed under the window protection layer WPL. The window protective layer WPL may include a protective film. In addition to the protective film, a hard coat layer, a fingerprint prevention layer, and the like may be additionally provided on and/or under the protective film in the window protection layer WPL in order to improve properties such as chemical resistance and abrasion resistance.

The window base layer WL may be disposed under the window protection layer WPL. The window base layer WL may have an optically transparent property. The window protective layer WPL and the window base layer WL may be bonded to each other by the window adhesive layer WAL. The window base layer WL may include an optically transparent insulating substance. The window base layer WL may have a multi-layer structure or a single-layer structure.

Although not shown, a hard coat layer may be disposed on the window base layer WL. The hard coat layer may be provided as a functional layer for improving the use characteristics of the display device DD by being coated on the window base layer WL. For example, the anti-contamination property, scratch resistance property, impact resistance and the like can be improved by the hard coat layer. The thickness of the hard coat layer may be 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and may be about 1.5 μm, for example.

Although not shown, a shock absorbing layer may be disposed under the window base layer WL. The impact absorbing layer may be a functional layer that protects the display module DM from external impact. The shock absorbing layer may be selected from films having an elastic coefficient of 1GPa or more at normal temperature. The impact absorbing layer may be a stretched film including an optical function. For example, the impact absorbing layer may be an Optical axis controlled film (Optical axis controlled film). The thickness of the impact absorption layer may be 35 μm to 45 μm, for example, 41 μm, but the thickness of the impact absorption layer is not limited thereto. In an embodiment of the present invention, the impact absorbing layer may be omitted.

A black matrix may be disposed on one surface of the window base layer WL. The black matrix may be provided by printing on one side of the impact absorbing layer. The black matrix may overlap the non-display area NDA. The black matrix may be formed as a colored layer in a coating manner. The black matrix may contain colored organic matter or opaque metal, but the substance constituting the black matrix is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, the window base layer WL, the window protective layer WPL, and the window adhesive layer WAL will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 4.

The anti-reflection layer RPL may be disposed under the window base layer WL. The anti-reflection layer RPL and the window base layer WL may be bonded to each other through the first adhesive layer AL 1. The anti-reflection layer RPL may reduce the reflectance of external light incident from the outside of the display device DD. In an embodiment of the present invention, the anti-reflection layer RPL may be omitted or embedded in the display module DM.

An anti-reflection layer RPL according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a phase retarder (retarder) and a polarizer (polarizer). The phase retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coated type, and may include a lambda/2 phase retarder and/or a lambda/4 phase retarder. The polarizing plate may be a stretched polymer resin film as well as a film type. The phase retarder and the polarizing plate may further include a protective film. The phase retarder (retarder) as well as the polarizer (polarizer) itself or the protective film may be defined as a base layer of the anti-reflection layer RPL.

The anti-reflection layer RPL according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a color filter. The color filters may have a predetermined array. The array of color filters may be determined in consideration of the emission colors of the pixels included in the display module DM. The antireflection layer RPL may further include a black matrix adjacent to the color filter.

The anti-reflection layer RPL according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise a destructive interference structure. For example, the destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed on different layers from each other. The first and second reflected lights respectively reflected from the first and second reflective layers may destructively interfere, whereby the reflectivity of the external light is reduced.

The display module DM may be disposed under the anti-reflection layer RPL. The display module DM and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be bonded to each other through the second adhesive layer AL 2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second adhesive layer AL2 may be omitted, and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be directly disposed on the display module DM. The anti-reflection layer RPL may be directly disposed on the input sensing layer ISL (refer to fig. 5) included in the display module DM and may be a structure included in the display module DM. On the other hand, in the present specification, "the B structure is disposed directly on the a structure" means that no additional adhesive layer and adhesive member are disposed between the a structure and the B structure. When the B structure is disposed directly on the a structure, the B structure may be formed on the basal plane provided by the a structure by a continuous process after the a structure is formed. That is, the anti-reflection layer RPL may be a layer formed on the input sensing layer ISL of the display module DM by a continuous process.

The protection layer PL may be disposed under the display module DM. The protective layer PL and the display module DM may be bonded to each other by the third adhesive layer AL 3. The protective layer PL may be a layer that protects the back surface of the display module DM.

The protective layer PL may include a polymer film. For example, the protective layer PL may include a polyimide film, a polyamide film, a polyetheretherketone film, or a polyethylene terephthalate film. The thickness of the polymer film included in the protective layer PL may be, for example, 20 μm to 50 μm. The polymer film included in the protective layer PL may be a layer having a high modulus (modulus) in order to protect the display module DM from external impact.

The protective layer PL may also include a buffer layer. In this case, the protective layer PL may include a sponge, a foam, a urethane resin, or the like. For example, the protective layer PL may contain polyurethane foam or thermoplastic polyurethane foam. Alternatively, the protective layer PL may include Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) foam, polyethylene (PE) foam, ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, or the like. The protective layer PL may have a structure in which a buffer layer is formed using the polymer film as an underlayer. The buffer layer may have a lower modulus and a lower density than the polymer film, and may absorb external impact. The buffer layer may have a thickness of 80 μm or more and 120 μm or less.

The protective layer PL may have a color of absorbing light. For example, the protective layer PL may have a black color. At least one of the polymer film and the buffer layer included in the protective layer PL may contain a black substance. This prevents the components disposed below the protective layer PL from being seen from the outside.

The fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be attached under the protective layer PL. The window adhesive layer WAL and the first to fourth adhesive layers AL1, AL2, AL3, AL4 described above may include conventional adhesives or sticking agents.

The first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL2 may be disposed under the fourth adhesive layer AL4. The first cover plate CL1 may be disposed in the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second cover plate CL2 may be disposed in the second non-folding area NFA2. The first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL2 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. With the first and second cover plates CL1, CL2 spaced apart from each other, a predetermined gap may be defined between the first and second cover plates CL1, CL2, the predetermined gap overlapping the folding area FA. The shape of the display device DD can be more easily changed by a predetermined gap defined between the first and second cover plates CL1 and CL 2.

The first and second cover plates CL1 and CL2 may be metal plates or plastic plates. For example, the first and second cover plates CL1 and CL2 may comprise stainless steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof. For example, the first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL2 may each include 304 stainless steel (SUS 304). The strength of the first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL2 may be greater than that of the display module DM.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL2 may each extend toward the folding area FA. In this case, in the folding area FA, the first and second cover plates CL1 and CL2 may not be attached to the fourth adhesive layer AL4.

Each of the first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL2 may contain a material having an elastic coefficient of 60GPa or more at room temperature. The first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL2 can support and be disposed above each other. In addition, the heat dissipation performance of the display device DD can be improved by each of the first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL 2.

Although not shown, the display device DD may further include a cover layer attached under the first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL 2. The cover layers may be attached to the underside of the first and second cover plates CL1, CL2 by a lower adhesive layer comprising a conventional adhesive or sticker. The lower adhesive layer may not overlap the folding area FA. The cover layer covers a predetermined gap defined between the first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL2, and prevents foreign substances from flowing in through the predetermined gap.

Although not shown, the display device DD may further include a lower plate, a heat dissipation pad, an insulating film, and the like, which are disposed below the first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL 2. The display device DD may further include a step compensation part. The display device DD may further include a lower buffer layer disposed under the insulating film or under the step compensating part, or the like.

The lower plate may have a predetermined rigidity and may prevent the shape of the structure disposed above the lower plate from being deformed. The lower plate may comprise a metal alloy, such as stainless steel or the like.

The heat-dissipating pad may be attached under the lower plate, and may be a heat-conductive pad having high thermal conductivity. The display device DD according to an embodiment includes a heat dissipation pad, so that heat generated due to driving and operation of the display device DD, and the like, can be easily discharged to the outside.

An insulating film may be attached under the heat pad. The insulating film prevents the display device DD from generating abnormal noise (Rattle).

The step compensating part may be attached under the first cover plate CL1 and the second cover plate CL 2. For example, the aforementioned cover layers may be attached to the lower portions of the first and second cover plates CL1 and CL2 by the lower adhesive layer, and the step compensating part may be attached to the lower portion of the remaining cover plates CL. The step compensating member may be, for example, a polymer resin film.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a window according to an embodiment of the present invention. The window WP according to an embodiment includes a window base layer WL, a window protection layer WPL disposed over the window base layer WL, and a window adhesive layer WAL disposed between the window base layer WL and the window protection layer WPL.

A first non-folding region NFA1-WP, a folding region FA-WP and a second non-folding region NFA2-WP may be sequentially defined in the window WP of an embodiment along the first direction DR 1. The first non-folding regions NFA1 to WP of the window WP may overlap the first non-folding region NFA1 (fig. 3 a) of the display device DD (fig. 3 a), the folding regions FA to WP of the window WP may overlap the folding region FA (fig. 3 a) of the display device DD (fig. 3 a), and the second non-folding regions NFA2 to WP of the window WP may overlap the second non-folding region NFA2 (fig. 3 a) of the display device DD (fig. 3 a).

Referring to fig. 4, the window adhesive layer WAL may be disposed between the window protection layer WPL and the window base layer WL in contact with the lower surface of the window protection layer WPL and the upper surface WL-U of the window base layer WL. The WL-L under the window base layer WL may not be configured with other structures. When applied to the display device DD (fig. 3 a), the lower side WL-L of the window base layer WL may be the side attached to the antireflection layer RPL (fig. 3 a) by the first adhesive layer AL1 (fig. 3 a).

The window protection layer WPL may protect a structure disposed under the window protection layer WPL. The window protective layer WPL may include a protective film having a coefficient of elasticity of 15GPa or less at normal temperature. For example, the window protective layer WPL may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The thickness of the window protection layer WPL may be 40 μm to 150 μm, but the thickness of the window protection layer WPL is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the window protective layer WPL may also have a multi-layered structure. For example, the window protective layer WPL may include a plurality of polymer resin films bonded by an adhesive or a sticker. For example, the window protection layer WPL may include a first protection layer, a second protection layer, and a protection adhesive layer to which they are bonded. In the window protective layer WPL, each thickness of the first protective layer and the second protective layer may be 30 μm to 120 μm.

In addition to the protective film, a hard coat layer, a fingerprint prevention layer, and the like may be additionally provided on and/or under the protective film in order to improve properties such as chemical resistance and abrasion resistance in the window protective layer WPL. The hard coat layer may be a layer formed from a composition for a hard coat layer containing at least one of an organic composition, an inorganic composition, and an organic-inorganic composite composition. For example, the hard coat layer may be formed of a composition for a hard coat layer including at least one of an acrylate-based compound, a siloxane compound, or a silsesquioxane compound. In addition, the hard coat layer may further include inorganic particles. The hardness of the hard coat layer can be further increased by the inorganic particles. The inorganic particles may comprise SiO ₂ 、TiO ₂ 、Al ₂ O ₃ 、ZrO ₂ ZnO, alN and Si ₃ N ₄ At least one of (a). The inorganic particles may be surface-treated with an organic material such as silane in order to improve the dispersibility in the composition for a hard coat layer.

The window base layer WL may be disposed under the window protection layer WPL. The window base layer WL can include an upper WL-U and a lower WL-L. The window protective layer WPL may be attached to the upper side WL-U of the window base layer WL through the window adhesive layer WAL.

The window base layer WL may include a folded portion WL-F and unfolded portions WL-NF1, WL-NF2. The fold portion WL-F may be a portion overlapping the fold region FA-WP of the window WP. The non-folded portions WL to NF1 and WL to NF2 may overlap the first non-folded regions NFA1 to WP and the second non-folded regions NFA2 to WP of the window WP. The non-folded portions WL-NF1, WL-NF2 may include a first non-folded portion WL-NFA1 overlapping the first non-folded region NFA1-WP and a second non-folded portion WL-NFA2 overlapping the second non-folded region NFA2-WP.

The window base layer WL may have an optically transparent property. The window protective layer WPL and the window base layer WL may be bonded to each other through the window adhesive layer WAL. The window base layer WL may include an optically transparent insulating substance. For example, the window base layer WL may include a glass substrate or a polymer resin film. The thickness of the window base layer WL may be 80 μm or less, for example, 40 μm, but the thickness of the window base layer WL is not limited thereto. For example, the window base layer WL may include a thin glass substrate having a thickness of 40 μm. The window base layer WL may include Ultra-Thin film strengthened Glass (UTG, ultra Thin Glass).

When the window base layer WL is a polymer resin film, the window base layer WL may include a Polyimide (PI) film or a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. However, not limited thereto, the window base layer WL may include a film including at least one of polyamide (polyamide), polyimide (polyimide), polyacrylate (polyacrylate), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride (polyvinylidene chloride), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDF), polystyrene (polystyrene), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer).

The window base layer WL may have a multi-layer structure or a single-layer structure. For example, the window base layer WL may include a plurality of polymer resin films bonded with an adhesive, or a glass substrate and a polymer resin film bonded with an adhesive.

The window adhesive layer WAL may have a thickness of 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less. When the thickness of the window adhesive layer WAL is less than 10 μm, sufficient adhesive force required for adhering the window base layer WL and the window protective layer WPL may not be secured, and damage may occur due to rubbing caused by the window base layer WL and the window protective layer WPL coming into contact with each other during folding work. When the thickness of the window adhesive layer WAL exceeds 30 μm, the folding characteristics of the display device DD may be degraded.

The window adhesive layer WAL may include a polymer resin. The window adhesive layer WAL may be an adhesive layer containing at least one of an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, a urethane resin, and an epoxy resin, for example.

The window adhesive layer WAL may contain an ultraviolet curable adhesive. The window adhesive layer WAL may be an adhesive layer formed by polymerizing and hardening through at least one of radical polymerization or cationic polymerization.

In addition, the window adhesive layer WAL may be formed of an adhesive composition containing a radical polymerizable compound having a radical polymerizable group. For example, the radical polymerizable compound may be a propylene-based compound, and specifically may be an acrylate compound or a methacrylate compound.

The adhesive composition forming the window adhesive layer WAL may include a photoinitiator or the like. The adhesive composition may further include known additives such as a photosensitizer, a silane coupling agent, a plasticizer, and an antifoaming agent, in addition to the initiator.

Referring to fig. 5, the display module DM may include a display panel DP and an input sensing layer ISL.

The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a light emitting display panel, and is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light emitting display panel or a quantum dot light emitting display panel. The light emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel may include an organic light emitting substance. The light emitting layer of the quantum dot light emitting display panel may include quantum dots, quantum rods, and the like. Hereinafter, the display panel DP will be described as an organic light emitting display panel.

The display panel DP may include a base layer BL, a circuit layer ML, a light emitting element layer EL, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

The base layer BL may include a Flexible substance, for example, the base layer BL may be a plastic substrate. The plastic substrate may include at least one of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene resin, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, a silicone resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, and a benzoate resin. For example, the base layer BL may contain a single layer of polyimide-based resin. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the base layer BL may be a stacked structure including a plurality of insulating layers.

The circuit layer ML may be disposed on the base layer BL. The circuit layer ML may include a plurality of insulating layers, a plurality of conductive layers, and a semiconductor layer.

The light emitting device layer EL may be disposed on the circuit layer ML. The light emitting element layer EL may include a display element such as an organic light emitting diode.

The thin film encapsulation layer TFE seals the light emitting element layer EL. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a plurality of inorganic layers and at least one organic layer disposed therebetween.

The input sensing layer ISL may be disposed directly on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE. That is, the input sensing layer ISL may be formed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE through a continuous process. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the input sensing layer ISL may be combined with the display panel DP by an adhesive after being formed through a separate process.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a window suitable for a display device and an apparatus for manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a carrying stage to mount an object substrate, an adsorption stage to adsorb the object substrate, and an attaching device to attach a protective film to the object substrate.

Fig. 6a is a perspective view of a part of the structure of a window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6b is a sectional view of a part of the structure in the manufacturing apparatus of the window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6a and 6b illustrate a carrier table LT in the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 6a and 6b, the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a transfer table LT on which an object substrate is mounted. The object substrate may be the window base layer WL (fig. 4) before the window protective layer WPL (fig. 4) is attached.

The carrier table LT comprises a first portion LT-P1 and a second portion LT-P2. The second part LT-P2 may comprise a first sub-part LT-P21 and a second sub-part LT-P22.

The first portion LT-P1 is a portion having a smaller thickness than the second portion LT-P2. That is, the first portion LT-P1 is a portion having a smaller width in the thickness direction, i.e., the third direction DR3, than the second portion LT-P2. The first portion LT-P1 may have a first thickness T1, the second portion LT-P2 may have a second thickness T2, and the second thickness T2 may be greater than the first thickness T1.

The first portion LT-P1 may be a portion where the folded portion WL-F (fig. 4) of the window base layer WL (fig. 4) overlaps when the window base layer WL (fig. 4) as the subject substrate is mounted. The width of the first portion LT-P1 in the first direction DR1 may be determined according to the width of the fold WL-F (FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the first width W1 of the first portion LT-P1 may be 1% or more and 20% or less of the entire width of the transfer table LT, i.e., the second width W2. The first width W1 may be, for example, about 2mm or more and about 15mm or less.

The carrier table LT defines a mounting surface SS on which the target substrate is mounted. The mounting surface SS may be substantially above the second portion LT-P2. As the first portion LT-P1 has the first thickness T1 smaller than the second thickness T2 of the second portion LT-P2, the upper side of the first portion LT-P1 may be a non-contact surface NCS that is not in contact with the object substrate when the object substrate is mounted. When the object substrate is mounted on the transfer table LT, the object substrate may contact the second portion LT-P2 and not contact the first portion LT-P1.

The mounting surface SS may be a surface having low surface roughness. In one embodiment, the mounting surface SS may be a surface having a surface roughness of 10 micrometers or more and 50 micrometers or less. The mounting surface SS may be a surface that is anodized (anodizing) to reduce surface roughness. The mounting surface SS is a surface subjected to surface polishing after the anodization process. As the surface roughness of the mounting surface SS is low, the surface of the target substrate mounted on the transfer table LT can be prevented from being damaged.

Although not shown, the transfer table LT may be provided with a suction device for fixing the target substrate placed thereon. For example, a plurality of suction ports may be defined in the conveyance table LT. A plurality of suction ports defined in the transfer table LT may be defined in the second portion LT-P2 including the seating surface SS. The adsorption port may not be defined in the first portion LT-P1 including the non-contact surface NCS.

Fig. 7a is a perspective view of a part of the structure of a window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7b is a sectional view of a part of the structure in the manufacturing apparatus of the window according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7a and 7b show an adsorption stage ST in the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 7a and 7b, the window fabricating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a suction stage ST to suck the target substrate. The object substrate may be the window base layer WL (fig. 4) before the window protective layer WPL (fig. 4) is attached.

The suction stage ST includes a first suction portion ST-P1 and second suction portions ST-P21, ST-P22. The second adsorption parts ST-P21, ST-P22 may include first sub-adsorption parts ST-P21 and second sub-adsorption parts ST-P22.

A plurality of suction ports SH for sucking the target substrate may be defined in the suction stage ST. The target substrate can be adsorbed on the adsorption stage ST by the operation of the plurality of adsorption ports SH.

It is possible that the plurality of suction ports SH may be defined only in the second suction portions ST-P21, ST-P22 and not in the first suction portion ST-P1. Fig. 7a and 7b exemplarily show that 16 adsorption ports SH in 8 rows and 2 columns are defined in each of the first sub-adsorption part ST-P21 and the second sub-adsorption part ST-P22, but the number and array of the adsorption ports SH may be changed.

Referring to fig. 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b together, the suction table ST may be configured to suck the target substrate disposed on the transfer table LT and perform the subsequent process. In a state where the target substrate placed on the transfer table LT is sucked by the suction table ST, the first suction portion ST-P1 of the suction table ST overlaps the first portion LT-P1 of the transfer table LT, and the second suction portions ST-P21, ST-P22 of the suction table ST overlaps the second portion LT-P2 of the transfer table LT. Thus, in a state where the target substrate disposed on the transfer table LT is sucked by the suction table ST, the plurality of suction ports SH defined only in the second suction portions ST-P21 and ST-P22 and not defined in the first suction portion ST-P1 may overlap only the second portion LT-P2 of the transfer table LT and not overlap the first portion LT-P1.

Referring again to fig. 7a and 7b, the suction table ST may define a suction surface US on which the target substrate is sucked and contacted. The suction surface US may be substantially the lower surface of the suction stage ST. The suction surface US may be below the first suction portion ST-P1 and the second suction portions ST-P21, ST-P22.

The adsorption surface US may be a surface having low surface roughness. In one embodiment, the adsorption surface US may be a surface having a surface roughness of 10 micrometers or more and 50 micrometers or less. The adsorption surface US may be a surface anodized to reduce surface roughness. The adsorption surface US is a surface that is subjected to surface polishing after the anodic oxidation process. As the surface roughness of the suction surface US is low, the surface of the target substrate to be sucked can be prevented from being damaged.

Fig. 8a to 8f are sectional views sequentially illustrating a window manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8a to 8f sequentially illustrate a process of attaching the window protection layer WPL to the window base layer WL and a process of measuring the bending strength of the manufactured window by the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 8a and 8b, the window manufacturing method according to an embodiment includes a step of mounting an object substrate on a transfer table LT. The object substrate may be the window base layer WL. As mentioned previously, the window base layer WL may include folds WL-F and unfolded sections WL-NF1, WL-NF2.

The carrying stages LT may include a first carrying stage LT1 and a second carrying stage LT2. The target substrate, i.e., the window base layer WL, may be mounted on the first transfer stage LT1 and then transferred to the second transfer stage LT2. During the transfer, it may be disposed such that the lower side WL-L of the window base layer WL is in contact with the first transfer stage LT1 and the upper side WL-U of the window base layer WL is in contact with the second transfer stage LT2.

The first transfer table LT1 may include 11 th parts LT1-P1 and 21 st parts LT1-P21, LT1-P22, and the second transfer table LT2 may include 12 th parts LT2-P1 and 22 nd parts LT2-P21, LT2-P22. The 11 th portion LT1-P1 may be thinner than the 21 st portions LT1-P21, LT1-P22, and the 12 th portion LT2-P1 may be thinner than the 22 nd portions LT2-P21, LT2-P22. Thus, the first mounting surface SS1 of the first transfer table LT1 may be defined as the upper surface of the 21 st portions LT1-P21, LT1-P22, and the second mounting surface SS2 of the second transfer table LT2 may be defined as the upper surface of the 22 nd portions LT2-P21, LT2-P22. The target substrate, i.e., the window base layer WL, may contact the first mounting surface SS1 and the second mounting surface SS 2. It may be placed such that the lower side WL-L of the window base layer WL contacts the first mounting surface SS1 and the upper side WL-U of the window base layer WL contacts the second mounting surface SS 2.

The window base layer WL may not contact with the upper surfaces of the 11 th portions LT1 to P1 and the 12 th portions LT2 to P1. The folds WL-F in the window base layer WL may overlap the 11 th portions LT1-P1 and the 12 th portions LT2-P1 in a plane, and thus the folds WL-F may not contact the first and second transfer stages LT1 and LT2.

The window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment may further include a carrying device RF for carrying the window base layer WL to the carrying stage LT. The conveying device RF can suck the window base layer WL and move to the first conveying table LT 1. The handling device RF may be, for example, an articulated robot device. The window base layer WL may be moved from the first conveyance stage LT1 to the second conveyance stage LT2 after being moved to the first conveyance stage LT1 by the conveyance device RF. In the step of moving the window base layer WL from the first conveyance stage LT1 to the second conveyance stage LT2, the window base layer WL may contact the first conveyance stage LT1 and the second conveyance stage LT2. The window base layer WL can be rotated by 180 ° while being in contact with the mounting surfaces SS1 and SS2 of the first and second transfer tables LT1 and LT2, respectively.

Referring to fig. 8b, 8c and 8d, the window manufacturing method according to an embodiment includes a step of moving the object substrate mounted on the transfer table LT by suction through the suction table ST. The window base layer WL as the target substrate can be adsorbed through the plurality of adsorption ports SH (fig. 7 a) defined in the adsorption stage ST.

In the adsorption step in which the window base layer WL mounted on the carrier stage LT is adsorbed by the adsorption stage ST, the window base layer WL may contact with the lower surface of the adsorption stage ST. In a state where the window base layer WL is adsorbed to the adsorption stage ST, the lower face WL-L of the window base layer WL may contact the adsorption face US (fig. 7 b) of the adsorption stage ST.

In the suction step, the first suction portion ST-P1 of the suction table ST may overlap the 12 th portion LT2-P1 of the second carrying table LT2, and the second suction portions ST-P21, ST-P22 of the suction table ST may overlap the 22 nd portions LT2-P21, LT2-P22 of the second carrying table LT2. Thus, in a state where the window base layer WL disposed on the second conveyance stage LT2 is sucked by the suction stage ST, the suction ports SH defined only in the second suction portions ST-P21 and ST-P22 but not in the first suction portion ST-P1 may overlap only the 22 nd portions LT2-P21 and LT2-P22 of the second conveyance stage LT2 but not the 12 th portions LT 2-P1.

In the adsorption step, the first adsorption portions ST-P1 may overlap the folded portions WL-F of the window base layer WL, and the second adsorption portions ST-P21, ST-P22 may overlap the unfolded portions WL-NF1, WL-NF2 of the window base layer WL. Thus, in a state where the window base layer WL is sucked by the suction stage ST, the plurality of suction ports SH defined only in the second suction portions ST-P21, ST-P22 and not defined in the first suction portion ST-P1 may overlap only the non-folded portions WL-NF1, WL-NF2 and not the folded portions WL-F.

Referring to fig. 8c, 8d, and 8e, the window manufacturing method according to an embodiment includes a step of attaching a protective film to the target substrate adsorbed by the adsorption stage ST.

The window protective layer WPL may be attached to the upper surface WL-U of the window base layer WL by the attaching device LU in a state where the window base layer WL as the target substrate is attached to the suction stage ST. The attachment device LU may be, for example, a lamination device. The window protective layer WPL may be attached to the window base layer WL through the window adhesive layer WAL.

Referring to fig. 8e and 8f, the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment may further include a bending evaluation device FMD that measures a bending strength of the window WP in a state where the window protection layer WPL is attached. The bending evaluation means FMD may be means for folding the window WP 1 time centering on the evaluation folding axis FX-a or repeatedly folding to have a predetermined curvature after the window protection layer WPL is attached to the window base layer WL. The window WP having the window protection layer WPL attached to the window base layer WL may be applied to the display device DD (fig. 3 a) after the bending strength measurement based on the bending evaluation device FMD to be combined with the display module DM and other structures. The window manufacturing method according to an embodiment may further include a visual appearance inspection step of performing a spot inspection of a state where the window protection layer WPL is attached, before the bending strength measurement step by the bending evaluation device FMD.

The carrier stage included in the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment sets a thickness of a portion overlapping with a folded portion of a target substrate, i.e., a window base layer, to be smaller than a thickness of a portion overlapping with a non-folded portion so that the portion overlapping with the folded region does not contact with the target substrate. More specifically, the thickness of the first portion of the carrier is set to be smaller than the thickness of the second portion, and it may be configured such that the first portion is not in contact with the folded portion of the window base layer and the second portion supports the unfolded portion of the window base layer in a state where the window base layer is mounted on the carrier. Thus, the folding part is prevented from being damaged when the window base layer is mounted on the carrying table and moved, and the folding reliability and durability of the window manufactured by the window manufacturing device can be improved.

In addition, the suction port is not formed in a portion where the suction stage included in the window manufacturing apparatus overlaps the folding portion of the target substrate, i.e., the window base layer according to an embodiment, and damage of the folding portion based on the suction process can be prevented. More specifically, by not providing the suction port in the first suction portion of the suction table and providing the suction port only in the second suction portion, damage to the folded portion is prevented without any problem in the suction performance of the suction table, and the folding reliability and durability of the window manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus can be improved.

In a conventional window manufacturing apparatus, in order to prevent damage to the target substrate caused by the surface of the carrier table when the target substrate is carried, a method of reducing friction between the target substrate and the carrier table by providing a porous film or the like on the mounting surface is applied. However, since the foreign substance supplied from the porous film remains, there occurs a problem that the folded portion of the window is damaged by the foreign substance in the subsequent bending evaluation or the like. In the window manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first part of the carrier table is not in contact with the target substrate, i.e., the window substrate, and the first adsorption part of the adsorption table is not provided with the adsorption port, so that the window substrate that is transported and adsorbed by the window manufacturing apparatus can be prevented from being damaged even if the porous film or the like is not provided. This can improve the folding reliability and durability of the window manufactured by the window manufacturing apparatus, and can also improve the reliability of the display apparatus manufactured by including the window.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should be determined not by the contents described in the detailed description of the specification but by the claims.

Claims

1. A window manufacturing apparatus, comprising:

a carrier table defining a mounting surface on which a target substrate is mounted, the carrier table including a first portion and a second portion having a thickness larger than that of the first portion;

an adsorption stage defining a plurality of adsorption ports for adsorbing the target substrate; and

an attaching device attaching a protective film to the object substrate adsorbed on the adsorption stage,

the plurality of suction ports are defined so as to overlap the second portion of the transfer table and not overlap the first portion on a plane in a state where the target substrate placed on the transfer table is sucked by the suction table.

2. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,

the object substrate includes a folded portion and an unfolded portion adjacent to the folded portion,

the folded portion overlaps the first portion and the unfolded portion overlaps the second portion in a state where the target substrate is placed on the transfer stage.

3. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2,

the plurality of suction ports overlap the non-folding portion in a state where the target substrate is sucked on the suction stage.

4. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,

the target substrate is in contact with the upper surface of the second portion and not in contact with the upper surface of the first portion in a state where the target substrate is placed on the transfer table.

5. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,

the object substrate is in contact with a lower surface of the adsorption stage in a state where the object substrate is adsorbed on the adsorption stage.

6. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5,

the surface roughness of the lower surface of the adsorption stage is 10 micrometers or more and 50 micrometers or less.

7. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,

the window manufacturing apparatus further includes: and a transfer device for transferring the target substrate to the transfer table and placing the target substrate on the placing surface.

8. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7,

the transfer table includes:

a first transfer table to which the target substrate is mounted by receiving the target substrate from the transfer device; and

and a second transfer table configured to rotate the target substrate placed on the first transfer table and then place the target substrate on the second transfer table.

9. The window manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1,

the window manufacturing apparatus further includes: and a bending evaluation device for measuring the bending strength of the target substrate with the protective film attached.